Children love trains, and model trains never disappoint. Over the years, we've visited several train and model train museums, each with its own unique vibe. We recently visited the Foley Railroad Museum & Model Train Exhibit in Foley, Alabama. Our little one was captivated by the sights and sounds that filled the layout. The attention to detail, from a fire station with animated people and trucks to a working car wash, really brings the model to life, sparking imagination and creativity. The volunteers, who dedicate countless hours to maintaining the exhibit, were friendly and informative. If you find yourself in coastal Alabama, this is one destination you definitely don’t want to miss. You might even get to ride a passenger train around the adjacent park. Are your children into model trains?
Hiking is a fantastic family activity with numerous health benefits. It helps improve heart health and strengthens key muscles, such as the legs and core. The varied terrain and elevation changes along the trail also boost endurance, balance, and coordination. Many people find hiking to be a great way to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Disconnecting from everyday life offers mental clarity and a sense of peace. If your family enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking is a wonderful way to connect with nature while staying active. Do you and your family enjoy hiking?
You never know what you'll find traveling down a county road, and Jim Bird and his family's Hay Bale Art is one such hidden gem. What began as a surprise for his wife, Lib, has captivated visitors for over 20 years. This collection of art made from hay bales and found objects has grown to nearly two dozen pieces. From a 30-foot Tin Man constructed of bathtubs, 55-gallon drums, a 1000-gallon fuel tank and 30-gallon drums for arms, to a Monster Truck Car and a sheet metal Snoopy, there is plenty to see. We took a short walk through the field to appreciate the time, effort, and love put into each creation. Sadly, Jim passed away in 2023, but his family continues the tradition with an annual work day where volunteers help repair the artwork and sometimes add new pieces. If you find yourself on Hwy 43 in Alabama, be sure to stop and enjoy Jim’s creative legacy. Do you have quirky roadside attractions like this near your city or state?
Last summer, we found ourselves in the corner of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee, home to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The park boasts more than 14,000 acres of wilderness, with 85 miles of trails, a historic settlement, a large cavern, and stunning overlooks. There was more to do than we had time for, but we opted to visit the Pinnacle Overlook. At 2,440 feet, a short trail led us across state lines to a rock-fortified overlook. The view was breathtaking, the walk was relatively easy, and the entire family enjoyed the stop along our way. What breathtaking views are your favorite, and where can they be found?
"There's nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend." Bob Ross We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you have a favorite quote about nature, drop it in the comments as well.
Does anyone recall the movie Big Fish? The film centers around Will Bloom's disbelief in his father's fantastical tales, chronicling Edward Bloom's life through flashbacks of significant events. The town of Spectre, as depicted in the movie, was partially filmed near Wetumpka, Alabama, at Jackson Lake Island. Over the years, fires and natural events have taken a toll on many of the building fronts. However, the iconic tree entrance and the wire of shoes still stand, with visitors frequently adding new shoes to the collection. Like Spectre, you can walk barefoot down the paved streets, past the once picturesque houses, and gaze at the floorless home sets along the way—it's as if we "came back too late." It's a unique place to visit if you ever find yourself in central Alabama. Are there any unique, abandoned sites near you that are worth visiting?
What are the pros and cons of barefoot hiking? Today we’ll explore the pros. Barefoot hiking offers several health benefits, including stronger foot muscles, improved balance, better posture and gait, increased foot flexibility, and improved circulation. Hiking without shoes allows the foot to engage all its muscles, promoting foot strength and toning over time. The foot's interaction with the ground enhances spatial awareness, increasing proprioception, which helps improve balance and coordination. Walking barefoot also encourages a more natural gait by promoting a forefoot or midfoot strike, reducing strain on the lower back, knees, and hips. Without shoes, your toes can spread and move freely, which not only improves foot flexibility but also enhances balance. Lastly, the direct contact with the ground stimulates the muscles and veins in your feet, increasing blood flow and reducing swelling and discomfort. I believe the health benefits of barefoot hiking outweigh the drawbacks, many of which can be minimized through proper planning, awareness of your surroundings, and gradually allowing your feet to adjust to their new freedom. Have you tried barefoot hiking?
What are the pros and cons of barefoot hiking? Over the next two posts, we’ll explore both. Today, we’ll focus on the cons. Without shoes, your feet are exposed to rocks, thorns, and rough terrain, which can lead to injuries like cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Additionally, the lack of man-made protection makes your feet vulnerable to environmental hazards such as poisonous plants and biting insects. Extreme temperatures can also cause discomfort or injury—hot surfaces may burn the soles of your feet, while cold conditions can lead to frostbite. Barefoot hiking may also limit trail options, especially on poorly maintained trails or those covered with gravel-sized rocks. For those unaccustomed to hiking without shoes, these conditions can result in increased foot fatigue. While these risks are real, they can be minimized by starting slowly, familiarizing yourself with the region, paying attention to your feet’s natural feedback, and gradually adapting to this new way of exploring. In our next post, we’ll dive into the pros of hiking barefoot.
Grounding at the beach offers enhanced benefits due to the conductive properties of the sand and water. If you're looking to ground effectively, consider walking barefoot along the wet shoreline, allowing your body to absorb energy from both the Earth and the sea. The physical sensation of your soles against the sand can help you feel more "centered" and in tune with your surroundings. Sitting with your bare feet in the sand can provide similar benefits. For maximum effect, try spending 20 to 30 minutes in direct contact with the Earth. Do you have any stories about how grounding or earthing has improved your physical or mental health?
Grounding can be especially effective at the beach due to the natural, conductive properties of sand and water. Grounding, or earthing, is the practice of physically connecting with the Earth’s natural energy. The minerals in beach sand and saltwater are excellent conductors, enhancing the flow of energy into the body. Electrons flow from the Earth into the body, neutralizing free radicals (charged particles associated with inflammation and stress). Studies have shown that grounding can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and lower stress levels. The sounds of the waves, the smell of fresh salt air, and the feel of sand underfoot can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Engaging in grounding fosters a sense of connection to nature, promoting positive effects on our mental well-being. In our next post, we’ll explore the physical sensations and offer tips for grounding at the beach.
Alongside Bamahenge, four life-size dinosaurs stand hidden among the pine forest in Elberta, Alabama. A Tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops, stegosaurus, and brontosaurus can be spotted along Barber Parkway. These fun, colorful fiberglass dinosaurs are the work of Mark Cline, a Virginia artist. If you're ever in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or coastal Alabama region, it's worth the extra drive to see these creative works of art. Have you come across any creative life-size artwork on a road trip? If so, what was it and where did you see it?
Quirky roadside attractions rarely disappoint, and Bamahenge was no exception. Bamahenge is a full-scale fiberglass replica of Stonehenge, with a few differences. Commissioned by George Barber, Virginia artist Mark Cline designed and fabricated the stones in Virginia and shipped them via four flatbed trailers to the Barber Marina property in Elberta, Alabama. Adjacent to four life-sized fiberglass dinosaurs, this celestial-aligned roadside attraction is a must-see destination for the entire family. What have been your favorite quirky roadside stops?
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Historical forts, battlefields, parks and monuments make great stops during a road trip. I have always enjoyed history; and love the experience of visiting these places first hand. We recently visited Fort Gaines on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1821 with over 3 million bricks, the fort’s most notable contributions included defense of the bay during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Mobile Bay. We enjoyed the “explore at your own pace”, self guided tours and the fort did not disappoint. It even held the attention of your little one, which many things do not. Does your family prefer the self-guided or tour-guided pace?
Children need outdoor time for a variety of reasons that contribute to their physical, mental and emotional development. Recently at a rail exhibit, I spoke with a gentleman who was encouraged to see our mission specifically the “the importance for kids to explore”. He pointed out how children today spend so much time indoors at home, rather than getting outside to explore local places like museums, parks, festivals, and nature preserves. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve observed the same trend through my involvement with various school-age organizations. As we move into this new year, we want to encourage children to get outside and explore. Spending time outdoors helps reduce stress and depression, gives children the chance to use their imaginations, and allows them to explore new environments and connect with nature. Sunlight exposure increases vitamin D, which is important for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Outdoor play also promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, coordination, and motor skills. If you’re looking for adventure ideas, check out our website to see if there’s an adventure for you. We also encourage you to share our mission with others in your family and community. When was the last time your family visited a museum, park, festival, or nature preserve near you?
While we don't often post about merchandise, we wanted to share that our latest t-shirts and hoodies are now available on our Bonfire store, linked through our website. More importantly, if you haven’t had a chance to explore our website yet, we’d love for you to check it out! It’s the hub for everything Bare Soles Explorers, from learning about our mission and the barefoot connection, to discovering fun activities for you and your family — shoes or no shoes. If you believe in the same cause as we do, we’d be incredibly grateful if you could help spread the word. Share our website, Instagram, and Facebook with your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone who might be interested. Your support makes a difference!
Caterpillars move slowly and mindfully in the wild. As I watched this little guy crawl along the handrail, I was reminded of how often we hurry through life, missing out on the details. We need to slow down, rekindle our curiosity, step back, and become mindful of the moment. Slowing down improves listening, reduces mistakes, and facilitates creative thought. Next time you and your family are hiking or walking, slow down and allow yourselves to be immersed in your surroundings. What was the last hiking trip you and your family took?
Can you go barefoot in a museum? It really depends on the museum, but you might be surprised. Many local museums are more interested in sharing their historical collections with visitors than in what visitors have on their feet. We encourage you and your family to explore a local museum sans shoes. You may find that you and your children are more focused, more connected, and more mindful of the exhibits present. You may even feel freer and more natural, encouraging a more engaging exploration of the museum. If you’ve adventured into a museum barefoot, what are your thoughts?
"The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know." Harry S. Truman We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you have a favorite quote about nature, drop it in the comments as well.
While at the tri-state line of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee, we stopped by Martin’s Station, the most authentic reconstructed frontier forts in America. The fort functions as a living history museum depicting pioneer life in Virginia’s frontiers. The authentically dressed interpreters were friendly and knowledgeable, reenacting the pioneer life of the 1770s. We walked, climbed, and explored the wooden structures, learned about basket weaving and gunsmithing from the interpreters, and checked out the freshly planted crops for the season. Many of the reenactors were barefoot themselves based on the attire of the frontier life, so my bare feet fit right in. It was a fun and educational time for us all. I would highly recommend it to anyone who happens to be nearby. Do you have any historical parks in your area?